But the Americans were the first to reach the high ground and formed behind a hedge fence. Their rifles at once opened upon the British, who returned the fire with deadly accuracy. Mercer’s horse was killed under him, and several of his officers fell. A confusion struck the American troops, and, noting this, with comprehensive eye, Mawhood met the situation like a master.
“With bayonet—charge!” he commanded.
With leveled muskets, each bayonet-tipped, the British 17th rushed up the sides of the elevation.
“Meet them, lads,” shouted the brave Mercer, who had freed himself from his dead horse and was now upon his feet, sword in hand. “Club your pieces! Meet them like men!”
But the clubbed muskets were of little use against the bristling steel of the onrushing veterans; at the first onset the Americans broke; Mercer tried to rally them, but was struck down; with flashing blade he arose and defended himself—but was pierced by a half dozen bayonets, and the rush of the enemy passed over his brave body.
To the crest of the hill charged the 17th, cheered on by Mawhood and his officers; once there they came to a sudden halt, however, for they saw a heavy body of troops emerging from the woods and advancing toward them.
This was a regiment of Pennsylvania militia which had been sent forward by Washington upon the first volley from Mercer’s brigade.
“Give them the artillery,” directed the businesslike Mawhood, as he watched the Pennsylvanians pushing upon him.
In a moment the pieces of cannon which he carried with him were brought into play, and in the face of their heavy discharge, the Americans, who were but recruits, halted and began to waver. For a moment the situation was strong with peril, and then Nat Brewster, who stood with the Prentiss twins, Ben and some score of the hardier spirits, behind a fringe of trees, loading and firing like machines, suddenly uttered a shout of joy.
“It’s not over yet,” said he, pointing to the brow of a neighboring hill. There stood a great white horse and upon it was a powerful, erect rider, who surveyed the situation with eagle glance.